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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcc min 2007/06/14 CVRC/RDA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CVRC), AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA June 14,2007 6:00 P.M. Regular Meetings of the Chula Vista Redevelopment Corporation and Redevelopment Agency of the City ofChula Vista and Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council were called to order at 6:01p.m. in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. CVRC ROLL CALL PRESENT: Directors: Castaneda (arrived at 6:07 p.m.), Desrochers, Lewis, McCann, Paul, Ramirez, Rooney, Rindone, and Chair Cox ABSENT: Directors: None CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ROLL CALL PRESENT: Council/Agency Members: Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, Rindone, and Mayor/Chair Cox ABSENT: Council/Agency Members: None ALSO PRESENT: Executive Director/City Manager Garcia, Assistant Executive Director/Assistant City Manager Thomson, Acting Assistant City Manager/City Engineer Tulloch, General Counsel/City Attorney Moore, Deputy City Attorney Cusato, Chief Financial Officer Kachadorrian, Assistant Chief Financial Officer Davis, Budget and Analysis Director VanEenoo, Acting Community Development Director/Secretary Hix, Planning Manager Ladiana, Redevelopment Manager Crockett, Housing Manager Mills, Principal Community Development Specialist Lee, Senior Community Development Specialist Tapia, Community Development Specialist Johnson, Planning and Building Director Sandoval, Senior Management Analyst Stepnowsky, Senior Deputy City Clerk Peoples, Senior Administrative Secretary Fields PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, MOMENT OF SILENCE I. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Memorandum from Paul Desrochers requesting an excused absence from the CVRC meeting of May 24,2007 Staff Recommendation: That the CVRC excuse the absence. Page I of9 CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06/14/07 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (continued) ACTION: Director McCann moved approval of the request for an excused absence. Director Ramirez seconded the motion, and it carried 7-0-1 with Director Castaneda absent, and Director Desrochers abstaining. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were none. Chairwoman/Mayor Cox introduced new City Manager Garcia and recognized outgoing City Manager Thomson. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. LAND USE CONSIDERATIONS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR A 42-UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY, KNOWN AS "LOS VECINOS" On December 18, 2006, Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation submitted applications requesting a zone change and design review to develop an affordable for-rent project located at 1501 Broadway. The site is currently developed with the vacant and boarded up Tower Lodge motel. The proposed project consists of 42 multi-family affordable rental units, and under State law and the Municipal Code, the Planning Commission and CVRC must hold public hearings on proposed actions and provide written recommendations to the City Council. In addition to the rezone and design review, the applicant is requesting (1) a reduction of the parking space requirements, (2) a reduction in the open space requirements, and (3) a reduction in the required front setback. Additionally, the applicant has submitted a request for Redevelopment Agency financial assistance, not to exceed $5,480,000. Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and at the time specified in the notice. Acting Community Development Director Hix provided an introduction to the project, noting that what was being considered was a rezone, density bonus, design review, request for Agency funding, and environmental review. Senior Community Development Specialist Tapia provided an overview of the project description, project site, adjacent uses, General Plan land use designation, and community outreach. Housing Manager Mills spoke regarding the project's financing aspects. ChairwomanlMayor Cox opened the public hearing. Glenn Googins, Chula Vista resident and Boardmember of Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation, provided an overview of Wakeland's background and spoke in support of the proposed project. Page 2 of9 CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06/14/07 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Rebecca Louie of Wakeland provided a brief overview ofthe energy efficiency and conservation aspects of the proposed project and responded to questions. Theresa Acerro, Chula Vista resident and President of the Southwest Civic Association, spoke in support of the proposed project. There being no further members of the public who wished to speak, Chairwoman/Mayor Cox closed the public hearing. Staff Recommendation: That the CVRC adopt the following resolution: ACTION: Director Desrochers moved to adopt CVRC Resolution No. 2007-020, heading read, text waived: 2A. CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2007-020, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION IS-07- 017, AMENDING THE ZONING MAPS ESTABLISHED BY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 19.18.010 BY REZONING ONE PARCEL CONSISTING OF 1.46 ACRES LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY FROM CT-P (COMMERCIAL THOROUGHFARE WITH PRECISE PLAN) TO R-3 (APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL), AND APPROVING INCENTIVES AND CONCESSIONS PURSUANT TO THE DENSITY BONUS LAW FOR THE REDUCTION IN CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE FOR-RENT PROJECT BY WAKELAND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Director Paul seconded the motion, and it carried 9-0. Staff Recommendation: That the City Council place the following ordinance on first reading: ACTION: Mayor Cox moved to place the ordinance on first reading, heading read, text waived: 2B. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION IS-07- 017, AMENDING THE ZONING MAPS ESTABLISHED BY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 19.18.010 BY REZONING ONE PARCEL CONSISTING OF 1.46 ACRES LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY FROM CT-P (COMMERCIAL THOROUGHFARE WITH PRECISE PLAN) TO R-3 (APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL), AND APPROVING INCENTIVES AND CONCESSIONS PURSUANT TO THE DENSITY BONUS LAW FOR THE REDUCTION IN CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE FOR-RENT PROJECT BY WAKELAND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (FIRST READING) Page 3 of 9 CVRC/RDA/CC - Minutes - 06/1 4/07 PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) Councilmember Castaneda seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. Staff Recommendation: That the CVRC adopt the following resolution: ACTION: Vice Chairman Rindone moved to adopt CVRC Resolution No. 2007-021, as amended adding a condition to Exhibit B to state the requirement of a minimum of 4 visitor parking spaces with the desire of 6, heading read, text waived: 2C. CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2007-021, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (A) APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT DRC-07-27 TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 42-UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT ON THE SITE LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY; AND (B) RECOMMENDING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,480,000, SUBJECT TO FUTURE APPROPRIATION FROM THE UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE IN THE LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING FUND TO WAKELAND HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF AN AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO BE LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Director Lewis seconded the motion, and it carried 9-0. Staff Recommendation: That the RDA adopt the following resolution: ACTION: Chairwoman Cox moved to adopt RDA Resolution No. 2007-1977, heading read, text waived: 2D. RDA RESOLUTION NO. 2007-1977, RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA CONDITIONALLY APPROVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $5,480,000 SUBJECT TO FUTURE APPROPRIATION FROM THE UNAPPROPRIATED BALANCE IN THE LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING FUND TO WAKELAND HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF AN AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT TO BE LOCATED AT 1501 BROADWAY IN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA Vice Chairman Rindone seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0. ACTION ITEMS 3. REPORT ON PROPOSED FY 2007-08 REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET Page 4 of9 CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06/14/07 ACTION ITEMS (continued) On June 19, 2007, the Office of Budget & Analysis and Finance Department will be presenting a comprehensive budget package to the City Council and Redevelopment Agency for Fiscal Year 2007-08. This report provides a summary of the key elements of the budget package that affect the operations of the CVRC and Redevelopment Agency, including two important proposed changes to the Redevelopment Agency budget structure. General Council/City Attorney Moore explained the process that would be used on Item 3, stating that on Item 3A, CVRC Board Members Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez, and Rindone had conflicts of interest and should abstain from voting on the item and leave the dais. Further, that with respect to Items 3B and 3C before the CVRC and Redevelopment Agency, a new crp called "Southwest Planning and Civic Engagement Activities" would be created in the Merged Project Area, and $312,000 would be appropriated from the available balance in the Merged Project Fund. The action before the Redevelopment Agency requires a 4/5ths vote. Agency Board Members McCann, Ramirez, and Rindone own property within 500 feet of the boundary of this crp and/or the Merged Project area. Since there were not sufficient facts to determine if the public generally exception applied in this case, the Redevelopment Agency must invoke the "rule of legally required participation" in order to take action on this resolution. This requires the placing of their names in a hat, and two names being drawn at random. Those drawn would be the Agency Board members who would be allowed to participate on this item, and who would participate as CVRC City Directors for Item 3B. General Counsel/City Attorney Moore then placed slips of paper containing Agency Members McCann, Ramirez, and Rindone's names into a hat, and Chula Vista resident Theresa Acerro randomly drew the names of Rindone and McCann. General Counsel/City Attorney Moore announced that Director/Agency Member Ramirez would be required to abstain from participation on items 3B and 3C and leave the dais during their deliberations. At 7:42 p.m., Chairwoman/Mayor Cox called for a brief recess. At 7:52 p.m., Chairwoman/Mayor Cox reconvened the meeting with all members present except for Director/ Agency/Councilmember Castaneda, Director/ Agency/Councilmember McCann, Director/Agency/Councilmember Ramirez, and Vice Chairman/Deputy Mayor Rindone. Acting Community Development Director Hix provided an introduction of the report. She stated that over the last year, Community Development staff had worked with the offices of Budget and Analysis and Finance to basically deconstruct and analyze the Redevelopment Agency budget, and then reconstruct it in a way that was clear and easy for everyone to understand. The goal was for staff to be better able to manage the budget, for the public and elected officials to understand it, and most importantly, to be able to see where all of the money was going. The product presented was a big improvement, but needed additional work to make it more user-friendly. Two of the most important changes made were to move staffing costs for Redevelopment and Housing from the Community Development General Fund budget directly into the Agency budget. Under the previous budget, staff costs from the General Fund were reimbursed by the Agency or Housing funds and combined with an overhead factor that tended to make staffing costs look huge. Now the overhead factor was separated out and was going to be separately negotiated. The second thing done was to move debt service expenditures for Agency-issued bonds from the General Fund to the Agency budget, making it clearer and keeping the Agency from accruing interest on the debt. These changes were consistent with recommendations from the EPS report. During this process additional analysis was done of all department and other Page 5 of9 CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06/14/07 ACTION ITEMS (continued) charges to the Redevelopment Agency, resulting in the reprogramming of some of that funding to be more in line with Agency goals and priorities. To better control expenditures, the Agency will begin, in effect, contracting for the services that it needs with other City departments and potentially outside organizations or consultants. While none of these actions resulted in additional revenue, the department is now positioned to better handle what they do have, and the bonanza of funding when it does start to come in. Assistant Chief Financial Officer Davis provided budget information covering the All Agency Fund Sources budget, which included uses, combined assessed valuations for the project areas over the last 10 years, growth of tax increment over the last 10 years, and the Redevelopment Agency's Operating Funds Reserves summary. Next, Redevelopment Manager Crockett presented the Fiscal Year 2007/2008 Gross Tax Increment Allocations, Fiscal Year 2007/2008 Low-Mod Housing Funds Allocations, and the Fiscal Year 2007/2008 Capital Improvement Projects. Tanya Rovira-Osterwalder, Chula Vista resident and Project Coordinator for the Healthy Eating, Active Communities organizations, expressed support for the allocation of funds specifically for the Southwest planning and civic engagement. Director Desrochers inquired, and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Davis responded, that staff was projecting that the Redevelopment Agency would have almost $1 million in funds remaining from the bond sales after this current fiscal year has ended, $1.4 million for RDA available for projects at the end of the next fiscal year, about $2.3 million in bond proceeds yet to be spent, and that the Low-Mod Housing fund had a balance of approximately $5 million. Redevelopment Project Manager Crockett responded that after funding the Wakeland Project, there would be approximately $1.5 million in the 20% affordable housing fund balance. Director Desrochers requested a breakdown be provided after completion of the negotiation process that shows staff services such as Planning and City Attorney. Director Lewis inquired as to how gap financing would be provided to assist other projects. Mr. Crockett responded that although funding would not always be available, there were still other tools that could be used to promote redevelopment projects. Director Rooney inquired as to whether the way staff was authorizing projects would result in deficit spending, to which Mr. Crockett stated it would not, as staff was legally obligated to spend the money within certain timeframes. He then explained how that as the projects go through the design/development system, time passes prior to actual allocation of funds, and in the meantime the current funding continues to grow and new fiscal year funding comes into play. Director Paul inquired, and staff confirmed that the positions referred to in the report, represented current staff, which reports to Acting Community Development Director Hix. Director Paul requested additional in-depth information be provided in the near future, as to what some of the larger numbers in the report were comprised of. Director Desrochers confirmed that the Agency owned some property/land, which could potentially be used to stimulate development. Page 6 of9 CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06/14/07 ACTION ITEMS (continued) Chairwoman/Mayor Cox requested that as the newly reconstituted CVRC moved forward, they be provided with the II staff positions in a format so that members of the Board could see their occupations, names, and contact information. She then provided the new City Manager with a brief overview of why the redevelopment budget was being changed the way it was, and why there was no provision in the budget for the position of the Executive Director, and that the City Manager's designee was to be the Executive Director, which would be reviewed within three years of the reconstitution ofthe CVRC. Staff Recommendation: That the CVRC adopt the following resolutions: ACTION: Director Desrochers moved to adopt CVRC Resolution No. 2007-022, heading read, text waived: 3A. CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2007-022, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-08 Director Lewis seconded the motion, and it carried 5-0-4, with Directors Castaneda, McCann, Ramirez and Rindone abstaining. Directors Castaneda, McCann and Rindone returned to the Council Chambers. City Attorney Moore clarified that the Redevelopment Agency Members would be voting on Items 3B and 3C; however, she suggested that the Members who had the potential conflict of interest abstain from voting on 3B. ACTION: Director Castaneda moved to adopt CVRC Resolution No. 2007-023, heading read, text waived: 38. CVRC RESOLUTION NO. 2007-023, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO CREATE A NEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN THE MERGED PROJECT FUND CALLED "SOUTHWEST PLANNING AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES" Director Paul seconded the motion, and it carried 6-0-3, with Directors McCann, Rarnriez, and Rindone abstaining. Page 70f9 CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06/14/07 ACTION ITEMS (continued) Staff Recommendation: That the RDA adopt the following resolution: ACTION: Chairwoman Cox moved to adopt RDA Resolution No. 2007-1978, heading read, text waived: 3C. RDA RESOLUTION NO. 2007-1978, RESOLUTION OF THE CHULA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROPRIATING $312,000 FROM THE AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE OF THE MERGED PROJECT FUND TO CREATE A NEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN THE MERGED PROJECT FUND CALLED "SOUTHWEST PLANNING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES" Agency Member Castaneda seconded the motion, and it carried 4-0-1 with Agency Member Ramirez abstaining. 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORTS a. Follow-up on Community Strengthening Strategies Report (White Paper) Acting Community Development Director Hix stated that although funding was approved, staff was also applying for grant funding, and was beginning discussion with various partners in the Southwest consisting of residents, community groups, schools, faith based organizations, other public agencies and the business community to work on the strengthening of relationships and building trust. The initial product (work program) will be brought back as soon as possible. She then introduced the Project Lead, Nancy Lytle from Planning. Sarah Johnson from the Community Development Staff will be the Project Manager. Acting Community Development Director Hix then spoke regarding the invitation sent to members for a National League of California Cities roundtable requesting an Elected Official, noting that the application needed to be submitted within four days. Chairwoman/Mayor Cox requested the Elected Directors review their calendars and notify her within the next couple of days as to their interest in attending. Ms. Hix then requested and received Board concurrence to cancel the July 28, 2007 meeting. 5. CHAIRWOMAN'S REPORTS Chairwoman Cox stated that the applications for CVRC Directors had been delivered to CVRC members in their packets, and stated that the Legislative Subcommittee, as previously agreed to, would group the applicants by the fields they were most prepared for, prior to submitting them to the CVRC members for review. She then requested that between now and July 2, CVRC members e-mail generic questions to her that they would like to ask the applicants during the interview process. Page 8 of9 CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06/14/07 ______-.-J 6. DIRECTORS' COMMENTS Director Desrochers reported that he and Director Lewis had met with the Sweetwater Union High School District subcommittee and have an additional meeting scheduled. They will report any progress from their meetings at a future CVRC meeting. Director Lewis commented on the community outreach process and offered from his personal experience that staff has the role of sales people, and that the CVRC has the role of customer service. He stated that it is important that they both work together from day one so that they all come from the same position. Director Paul welcomed new City Manager Garcia and wished Jim Thomson well. Director McCann inquired as to whether applicants were being asked to submit their Form 700 Conflict of Interest statements. General Counsel/City Attorney Moore stated that the requirement would be acceptable, but would also create a public document. Chairwoman Cox expressed concern with making the Form 700 public if the applicant was not actually chosen for the position. General Counsel/City Attorney Moore provided several options to achieve the expressed desired results. Vice Chairman Rindone suggested that all applicants be provided with the Form 700, and be notified that they would be required to complete the form if selected to serve on the Board, and that the form would become a public record. General Counsel/City Attorney Moore stated that Deputy City Attorney Dawson would be designated to respond to any inquiries of applicants regarding the Form 700. 7. CLOSED SESSION At 8:58 p.m. Chairwoman/Mayor Cox convened the Closed Session. I. Conference with legal counsel - Potential Initiation of Litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(c): One (1) case No reportable action was taken on this item. ADJOURNMENT At 8:30 p.m., Chairwoman/Mayor Cox adjourned the Chula Vista Redevelopment Corporation/Redevelopment Agency to July 12, 2007, at 6:00 p.m., noting that their regularly scheduled meeting on June 28, 2007 had been canceled, and the Chula Vista City Council to its regul~ly ",hOOW~' 19,2007 "6'Z ~Ch=h'" ; f . CV~C 'b ~ Ann Hix, Secretary o 0 06/15/2005} 6 '2. 'b - ~ 00 0"':;: <' 0 OO()(loOO ~ Page 9 of 9 O,oI/fE"NT CO((..~O CVRC/RDAlCC - Minutes - 06114/07